It's a cycling trip not driving. I spend 3 days cycling from Ipswich to Norwich with a mate. It didn't matter where we were and we had a great time.
Don't waste time going further.
I take your point, but for my mate this is what he wants, the idyll of France, vineyards, charming villages etc.... the question is how to find that whilst minimising the driving....
It's a cycling trip not driving. I spend 3 days cycling from Ipswich to Norwich with a mate. It didn't matter where we were and we had a great time.
Don't waste time going further.